Welcome to Christ’s Lutheran Nursery School! Since 1956 the Nursery School has been an integral part of the community, enriching the lives of children from two to fives years old. Every year we plan many exciting learning experiences for your child.

The Nursery School is sponsored by Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Your family is invited to participate in all activities ongoing in the church – Sunday School, Worship, etc. Various information notices will be posted during the year.

The purpose of the Nursery School is to provide a Christian environment in which to guide the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth of the pre-school child.

Christ’s Lutheran Nursery School admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

The Nursery School program includes teachings which promote Christian values through a variety of art projects, free play, prayer circle, stories, visual aids, music, class projects (such as food for the homeless or sponsoring a needy child), and holiday celebrations with Pastor Braun. These activities help the children become aware of God and know that He loves them.

The staff instills Christian values by providing a cheerful learning environment, meeting the needs of the individual child, by encouraging the children to do their work, celebrating diversity, and helping the children become aware of the needs of others.

Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s pre-school experiences by sharing their special talents or interests, helping in the classroom, driving on field trips, and providing occasional snacks. A monthly newsletter is sent home to inform you of specific activities for your child’s class.

Parents are required to provide transportation to school. A school directory listing children, addresses, and phone numbers is distributed to all families. You may use this information if you are interested in forming a carpool. The school cannot be responsible for the operation of carpools.

Our 2009-2010 year opened with Back-to-School Night for parents and children on Wednesday, September 16^th. Classes began the week of September 21^st with 72 children enrolled in our programs

Our Staff

We have 10 dedicated staff members.

Deb Hilbert, a member of Christ's Lutheran, returns for the 9^th year as director.  She has her B.A. degree in Psychology from Muhlenberg College.

Anne Marie Lodes continues for the 9^th year with Joyce Reiner in the 5-day Pre-kindergarten class.  Anne Marie has her Masters in Education from Gratz College and is a former elementary school teacher.  Joyce Reiner, who has worked as an assistant teacher with two-, three-, and five-year-olds for 26 years, is an integral part of the Nursery School program.

Mary Moran is a graduate of Gwynedd-Mercy College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She has 25 years experience working in our Nursery School program. Mary and assistant Pat Abbott, who is returning for her 9^th year and previously worked as an elementary physical education instructor, will teach one of our four-year-old classes.

Anne Sykes, who also teaches a four-year-old class, is a graduate of Drexel and has her teaching certificate from Gwynedd Mercy College.  Anne teaches with assistant Rosie Haney. Both are returning for their 9^th year.

Constance Finney, a member of our congregation, has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Consy, who teaches our two-year-old class and three-year-old class, is back for her 13^th year. Liz DeMarco, who assists Consy in the two-year-old and three-year-old classes, is returning for her 11^th year.

Kathy Betteridge, who received her B.A. in Social Work from Penn State, is also back for her 9^th year. Kathy will be initiating the enrichment program, “Handwriting Without Tears,” in our four- and five-year-old classes.

We look forward to an exciting year experiencing many new, fun, and interesting learning activities with the children.

2009 – 2010 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Sept. 15-19..………………..………………..Get-Acquainted Days

Sept. 16………………………………………………...Open House

Sept. 21, 22…………………………………………..Classes Begin

Nov. 3….Election Day……………………………...School Closed

Nov. 9, 10…………………..…………..…..………School Pictures

Nov. 11…Teacher In-Service…………………….…School Closed

Nov. 25,26,27….Thanksgiving Holiday…………….School Closed    

Dec.21,22…....…...…...……………...Christmas Party with Parents

Dec. 23 – Jan. 1…Christmas Vacation……………...School Closed

School resumes Mon. Jan. 4

Jan. 18….Martin Luther King Day………………….School Closed

Feb. 12 & 15…..President’s Holiday………………..School Closed

March 29-April 5 …..Easter Vacation…..…………..School Closed

School resumes Tues. April 6

April 28……………………………….4 year old’s Father’s Night

May 5,6,7……....………………………….Mother’s Day Programs

May 26,27,28…………………………………………Closing Days

June 1 – 10………………………………...……..Summer Program

HOURS,  TUITION AND REGISTRATION

Nursery School registration begins in December with the distribution of information. All currently enrolled children will receive information first.

The school doors open at 9:05 AM. To ensure the safety of students and staff, doors will be locked during the school day. If you need to enter during the school day you must ring the doorbell to gain entry.

INFORMATION FOR 2010-2011 REGISTRATION

If you are interested in one of our programs, please call Deb Hilbert, director, for an application form

or an appointment to visit the school.  Enrollment is limited so you

will want to register as soon as possible. 

A $50.00 non-refundable family registration is due at the time of registration.

*Christ’s Lutheran members will receive a 10% family discount on all tuitions.*

Children attending the 3- and 4-year old and Pre-K programs should be potty trained. As children develop skills at different ages, we are happy to work with you if you are in the process of potty training. If your child has an “accident” in school, the staff will call you to come to school to change your child. Parents should remain accessible if your child is questionable with toilet training.

The first tuition payment is due August 15th. All other payments are due the 1st of the month beginning in October.  TUITION INFORMATION FOR EACH CLASS

There are no refunds for absence (normal illness or vacation) or closings due to inclement weather. You will be notified by telephone when there is an unscheduled Nursery School closing, usually due to inclement weather. Tuition not received by the 5th is subject to a $5.00 late fee. Tuition may be paid at school or mailed.

If you are interested in getting more information, contact Deb Hilbert by email or call her at the church during the week at (215) 886-4612.

LUNCH BUNCH

 This program is offered to give the children the opportunity to enjoy a variety of creative activities as well as sharing lunch and conversation with friends. The program will be available every day from 11:45 - 1:15 and every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:45 - 2:45.. Sign-up must be made in advance so that adequate staffing arrangements can be made. The extended session will be held when at least 5 children are staying. This program may be used at your own discretion, on a regular basis or as an occasional treat.

AFTERNOON CLUBS

In addition to our extended day program we offer afternoon music, art, cooking, fitness, and kindergarten enrichment clubs. The clubs run on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons from 11:45 to 2:45. The children will have the opportunity to share lunch and free play with their friends as well as weekly activities related to the club topic. The cost is determined according to the length of the program.